Volvo
Concept You
Following
on from the 2010 Volvo Concept Universe the Volvo Concept You was presented at
the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Volvo Concept You was essentially an
evolution of the previous design, and one which looked a little closer to reality.
Volvo’s designers seem to have heeded our
call for a rethink on the Concept Universe’s headlights and grille and come up
with a solution that’s a little bit more appealing. Volvo stated that the
Concept Universe was a preview of what to expect in the future from the
company, and they’ve said the same thing for the Concept You. They’ve also said
that they are listening closely to public comments on both cars as they edge
closer and closer to a production model.
The
Volvo Concept You isn’t exactly a beautiful car in the classic sense of the
word, or any other for that matter. But it is unique and a little bit different
– something die-hard Volvo fans find just as appealing. It combines a four-door
coupe-like profile with the traditional sturdiness of classic Volvos. Peter Horbury, Vice President Design at Volvo
Car Corporation said of the Concept You’s design: “The fastback profile mirrors
a strong trend among European buyers. With growing signs that Chinese “taste
buds” are moving rapidly in the same direction, our main aim is to explore how
daring our next large sedan should be in order to be a global success. We are
very eager to hear what people think about the Concept You.”
The
Volvo Concept You’s styling is supposed to reflect its Scandinavian heritage,
while also being suitable for markets around the world. The concept is based on
Volvo’s new Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) which has both technological
and industrial advantages over a one-model platform.
The
interior of the Volvo Concept You features numerous gadgets and electronic
wizardry, but at the same time it feels spacious and relaxing. The concept uses
a number of touch screens instead of buttons, which has the effect of
de-cluttering the dashboard and center console. A heads-up-display provides the
driver with vital information, while small touch-screen panels on the steering
wheel spokes allow for fingertip control of secondary functions.
The
touch-screen display in the upper part of the centre console remains in sleep
mode until the driver looks at it. A hidden infrared camera registers the eye
movements and information is displayed on the screen. It sounds like a great
idea, but it could get irritating for the front-seat passenger.
Another
hidden sensor registers hand movements and triggers the car’s Infotainment
interface. The possibilities vary depending on whether the screen is approached
by the driver or by the front passenger.
“Certain
functions, such as surfing the Web, are only accessible from the passenger side
while the car is rolling. The technology knows who is the present operator and
adapts itself automatically,” says Peter Horbury.
The
driver can send data from the central touch-screen to the head-up display and
can exchange data with the rear passengers. A light guide in the free-floating
centre console indicates file transfer.
